Hi, We just purchased a 2005 XKR with 27k miles. When driving back from Wash DC area to Georgia about 4 1/2 hours into the trip the DSC system fault message came on with the amber light. We looked in the book and it said it was OK to continue driving so we did. We then stopped to get something to eat around an 1 1/2 hours later and when we restarted our trip we didn't get the warning again for the remaining 5 hour trip. I have seen posts with DSC system fault and ABS light but ours was just the fault. Thanks for any and all help!!

 

ji9988,

Correct - it's an amber warning and not a red "stop and rectify" fault.

Mine did this twice in three days after I picked it up from the dealer and I put it down to dirty or sticking sensors as it has been parked up for around three weeks. It hasn't done it since in two months.

If it happens again, have the DTC's (diagnostic trouble codes) checked to see if there's any stored codes.

__________________
2005 XK8 4.2S Coupe

 

There is a post from REV Sam I believe on how to clean the wheel sensors. It is really easy takes about 20 min. and cleared my DSC and ABS faults.

 

Thanks for the info!! I'll clean the sensors and hope it was a one time occurence.

 

This is probably the most common problem on these cars. Click the link in my signature line, then look for the video which shows how to clean the wheel speed sensors. It's really easy.

 

Thanks!!

 

Get used to the ABS/Traction control warning. In the two plus years I've owned my 2002 XKR, it has been on at least as often as it has been off. Sometimes it's related to dirty sensors, other times the wire lead to the sensors lost connectivity, others times the control module needed repair, other times the piston on the abs booster was sticking; it seems this is the achilles heel of sensitivity in these cars. The good news is that it won't leave you stranded, and at least for me, in Los Angeles, we have so little rain, I'm not concerned if the abs is off for a day or two at a time. The whole assortment of little warning lights that come and go on a regular basis just drives one a little batty.

 

I have never had the DSC faults occur on my car...ever, not even once. Probably just dirty, or worse case, connector/wiring issue. The ABS unit on the later XK8/Rs (2003+) are not prone to the earlier version's electrical meltdowns.

 

H2Oboy,

After checking the wheel sensors were clean and the connections OK, I put the DSC warning I had down as being triggered by the Yaw Rate Sensor / Accelerometer and not the ABS module. The Yaw Rate Sensor monitors steering wheel angle, master cylinder brake pressure, wheel rotation sensors, vehicle yaw and acceleration adding another level of complexity over the earlier cars with ABS and Trac Control.

Having run a 2001 XK8 with ABS for five years without ever having an error, I'm yet to be convinced what additional benefit Stability Control is supposed to deliver!

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2005 XK8 4.2S Coupe

 

Hi, like your videos. Very helpful. You say look for the video regarding cleaning the wheel sensors. I followed your link but I cannot see the video on how to clean the sensors.

I know this is an old posting/topic so have you removed it since you posted your reply?

Thanks

 

Here's a direct link to the Rev's video

 

It happens randomly on mine as well. Bear in mind it means you're driving without Yaw Control, ABS and Traction Control (IIRC) when the light is on. Mine is EXTREMELY tail-happy in the wet under these circumstances...

 

Excellent. Thank you very much for taking the time not only to do the video but put the link up for me too.

I am getting the car up on a ramp next week to do the underseal and quite a few other things. This will go on to my "to do" list.

Frank C